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2005-10-28 Friday Newsfit The Friday News October 28, 2005 RETAIL OPENING AT THE VILLAGE Next week the first retail enterprise at The Village at Mendota Heights will be opening its doors to the general public, the Wine Market by Kowalski's. The Pioneer Press wrote two very nice articles on the Village this week. (See attached.) We wish the proprietors Jim and Kristen Kowalski great success. Soon to follow will be E's Cheese, Caribou Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, Vera's Salon Spa, Fantastic Sam's, and H&R Block. HALLOWEEN BONFIRE The annual Halloween Bonfire will be held on Monday, October 31S` at Mendota Plaza between the hours of 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Fire Department will be providing hot dogs and pop and Ziggy's will be providing cookies for the event. The merchants from Mendota Plaza will be giving out treats for all the little tricksters before the bonfire as well. The brush site closed down on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and Public Works will prepare the site for the Bonfire on Monday evening. Costumes are not required so come and join in all the fun. MAYOR ATTENDS RUNWAY OPENING Mayor Huber attended the grand opening of the new 17/35 Runway at MSP on Thursday this week. There were a large number of attendees, although a number of political folks sent staffers as opposed to personally attending, perhaps in recognition that there are communities south of Mendota Heights that are less than thrilled with the opening. With that in mind the Mayor expressed measured pleasure from Mendota Heights' standpoint. Among the attendees that the Mayor spoke to were Vicki Tigwell, Chairwoman of MAC; Jeff Hamiel, Executive Director of MAC; Doug Steenland, CEO of NWA; and David Gaither, Chief of Staff of Governor Pawlenty. After breakfast and a few speeches, the group went out to the new runway to watch a couple ceremonial takeoffs followed quickly by the first revenue load going wheels up at 17/35. (See also the attached articles on the new runway.) NEW BABY FOR JOHN AND MICHELLE AMBROSE Congratulations to John Ambrose and his wife Michelle who had a baby girl last Saturday, "Taylor Rose". John reports Taylor Rose' birth weight as "a little over five pounds." CONDOLENCES TO MARIO REYES We send our condolences to Mario Reyes and his family for the loss of his father Octavio B. Reyes Sr. Mario's father passed away on 10/22/05 at Regions Hospital. He had a hip replacement last spring, and never fully recovered, in addition to several heart attacks and other problems in the last two weeks. Please see the attached notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mario and his family. JANET BOLGER'S SON RECEIVES POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD Janet Bolger's son, Eric M. Bruss, is a police officer for the City of Santa Fe in Galveston County, Texas. Eric received the Officer of the Year Award this week. (Please see the attached photo.) Congratulations to Eric and Janet! Respectfully submitted, Patrick Hollister Administrative Assistant Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Meeting Agenda, Joint City Council/Planning Commission Workshop Agenda, Pre -Application Planning Synopsis, Twincities.com (Pioneer Press) Articles "Village's progress impresses officials", "Village's first retail store to open", "Runway opens: Quiet to depart", "Runway debut quietly awaited" and "Bloomington sues MAC over airport noise program", Star Tribune Articles "Runway to open today: quiet to depart" & "A new runway opens enhanced -noise season", SouthWest Review Articles "MH to preserve historic Pilot Knob site", "Friendly Hills students have sights set on stars" and picture from SW Review of 13`h Annual MH Fire Station Open House "Fire safety tips", picture from Sun Current of "Can I ring the bell?" and Octavio B. Reyes Sr. Obituary, Photo of Eric Bruss. Issue # 09-40 il J444 T4 FACU* 0 * 11 10/28/2005 The Theft 10-20-05 1500 hours Mendota Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a residence about a missing Heights go cart. The go cart was home made and had a 340cc motor on. The victim advised that if anyone started it he expected we would Police receive several noise complaints. It was clear that the removal of Department the go cart took several people to get it out of the yard. Dog Bite 10-20-05 1731 hours Officer Denise Urmann responded to the complaint of a dog bite. Support The caller reported that the neighbor's retriever had escaped Staff from its kennel and knocked down and bit her child. The child CathyRans°'�' had multiple minor injuries. Officer's interviewed several Police Officers witnesses and the dog's owner. In following city ordinance the Jerry Murphy owner was advised that the dog was potentially dangerous. The Brian Convery owner has already contacted city hall to contend the dog's Bobby Lambert classification. Eric Petersen Domestic Assault 10-20-05 1742 hours Todd Rosse The MSP received a cellular 911 call reporting a "rolling" Tanner Spicer domestic. The caller advised they witnessed a couple fighting Chad Willson and pull over in the area of 2470 Pilot Knob Road where the male Jeff VonFeldt struck the female. No further information was available. The jenny Fordharn parties were all gone when officers arrived in the area. Steven Meyer Denise Urrnann Suspicious Activity 10-21-05 1823 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a call of a man digging in a Investigations construction dumpster in front of some townhouses. In speaking Mario Reyes with the elderly man he was given permission by his brother to Scott Patrick remove as many of the torn off shingles as he would like. Clear without incident. 10-50 10-21-05 2102 hours Sergeants Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a call from one of the Dakota Donn Anderson County Sheriff Park Patrol Officers. The officer had come across Neil Garlock a crash at the corner of Hwy 13 and London Road. The driver John Larnive was GOA. There was minor damage to the car. The car was Chief impounded by Southeast towing. The owner's insurance Mile company called looking for the car the next day. Aschenbrencr DOC/Criminal Damage 10-22-05 0140 hours Officer Denise Urmann responded to a call of a drunken man attempting to break into a residence. Upon arrival the suspect Issue # 09-40 10/28/2005 was located and arrested. It turns out there is more to the story. The man new all of the people in the residence and had already been removed for causing problems. After being interviewed he was transported to Ramsey County Detox. Taco Delivery 10-22-05 2219 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a home that had 10 wrapped tacos tossed in the front yard. This is the second time this has occurred in recent weeks. The reporter has an 11th grade son and believes it is related to school. The taco delivery crew yelled and screamed as the tacos were thrown in the yard. No suspects at this time, extra patrol was requested by the caller. Minor Consumption / Curfew 10-23-05 1215 hours Officer Jeff VonFeldt spotted a vehicle parked behind a closed business. As the squad approached the car began to drive away. After stopping the car it was immediately obvious that the occupants were drinking. The driver was sober unfortunately the passenger was out after curfew and blew a .12 BAC on the PBT. He was transported to MHPD and released to his father. Medical 10-24-05 2022 hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to a residence on a check the welfare call. The reporter had been speaking with a friend who told here that they were feeling weak and were going to get something to eat. The reporter had been unable to make contact for over an hour after that. Officer Rosse checked the residence and spotted the party in bed in the basement. Officer Rosse was not able to awaken the party by pounding on the doors and windows. A neighbor was enlisted to contact family for access into the home. When the family arrived the man was located face down on the floor next to the bed. He was having a diabetic reaction due to low blood sugar. With the assistance of Healtheast he was given some food. After coming back to his senses the man refused transport. Attempted Suicide 10-25-05 1520 hours Officer Eric Petersen and Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a residence on a possible drug overdose. Officers along with Paramedic and family convinced the person to go in to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. Clear with Healtheast transporting the party to United Hospital. DAS / Speed / No Insurance 10-26-05 0552 hours Officers Tanner Spicer and Steve Meyer were working speed enforcement on Lexington Avenue when they clocked a vehicle at 64 mph in a 40 mph zone. The car was stopped and the driver was arrested for driving with out a license, no insurance and speeding. The driver was cited and released on foot as his vehicle went to Southeast Towing. AOA DC Corrections 10-26-05 1110 hours Officer Eric Petersen was enlisted by Dakota County Corrections to assist in taking a juvenile into custody. The young man is on probation and was wanted in connection with an arson fire. He was arrested without incident and WSPPD allowed a reserve to transport. Leaf Complaint 10-26-05 1706 hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to a call of a person blowing leaves into the street. Upon arrival the leaf blowing was completed. The homeowner was advised of the violation and agreed to clean up. Clear without incident. MW e, a scat ~. 4dl O A/4 -2- N E W S LETTER The P'ipeline Public Works Engineering October 27, 2005 Code Enforcement Public Works The Parks Crew hooked up the fertilizer spreader to #510, the John Deere tractor and fertilized all the parks. St. Paul Regional Water Services removed the meters from the buildings at Kensington South and Mendakota Park. Rich was called in on Wednesday at 12:00 A.M. to the Mendota Heights Road lift station because the pump starters weren't working. It was a loose power wire which was fixed. The machine shop resleeved the wear ring on the impellor for the St. Thomas lift station. Rich put the impellor back and put in the new stainless steel chain and power cable holders. The Street Crew pushed up the bonfire materials. Large tree stumps, trunks, and limbs were removed and taken to All Wood Disposal Company. (See attached pictures). They reinstalled stop signs at Deer Trail and Wachtler Avenue and reinstalled street name signs at Dodd Road and Mears Avenue. They patched curbs at High Ridge Circle, High Ridge and Warrior Drive. Code Enforcement Paul issued a building permit to Rochon Corporation for 720 Main Street. The permit is for a tenant finish (H & R Block) in Town Center with 1,366 square feet. Paul also issued building permits to Rochon Corporation for building shells in Town Center (buildings D and Q. The valuation for building D is $217,500.00 and the valuation for building E is $562,500.00. Paul also issued building permits to Veit & Company, Inc. to demo all buildings at the old Ecolab site. Engineering Ace Blacktop paved Ivy Hill Drive, Maple Park Drive, Linden Street, Main Street and Maple Street on Thursday and Friday. Sod work was completed on Sunset Lane and Ivy Falls Avenue this week. Guy and Sue met with Mary Jackson from Dakota County to discuss a new option for the NURT. Mary plans to give a presentation to the Council on November 15th Happy Halloween!! O CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO October 27, 2005 TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis Staff met with eight potential applicants on Monday, October 24, 2005. Steve Grittman, Sue McDermott, and Patrick Hollister were present. Ron Buelow, 1666 Mayfield Heights Road Mr. Buelow met with Staff to discuss his plans to add a deck to his home. Mr. Buelow's property is within the Mississippi River Critical Area. Staff determined that Mr. Buelow's deck would require a Critical Area Permit and provided him with the appropriate application materials. Mr. Buelow intends to apply in time for the November 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Tim Bohlman, Glen Huebner, and John Uban, Ron Clark Construction Acacia -Owned Property East of Pilot Knob Road Mr. Bohlman, Mr. Huebner, and Mr. Uban, representing Ron Clark Construction, met with Staff to discuss the possibility of developing the site owned by Acacia Cemetery east of Pilot Knob Road for multi -family housing. Staff told Mr. Bohlman that the City was in the process with the Trust for Public Land for acquisition of the Allen-Buttenhoff property and that as far as the Acacia -owned property was concerned, the City was still waiting for an advance payment of $7,250 from the applicant to apply to the cost for an EIS Scoping Document, to be prepared by Barr Engineering. Mr. Bohlman said that Ron Clark Construction was now proposing a very different type of development for the Acacia property and that he would like the opportunity to discuss it with the Council. Staff told Mr. Bohlman that he may submit a letter to the Council for discussion at a future Council meeting. Mr. Bohlman said that he intends to submit a letter and concept plan in time for the November 15, 2005 Council meeting. Jim Losleben, 815 Hazel Court Mr. Losleben met with Staff to discuss his plans for grading and landscaping within a wetland buffer in his back yard. Staff determined that Mr. Losleben's plans would require a Wetlands Permit. Staff provided Mr. Losleben with the appropriate materials for a Wetlands Permit application. Mr. Losleben said that at this point he may wait until spring of 2006 to apply because by the time the Council reviews his application in December it will be too far into winter to do the work. Dan Nelson, 919 Delaware Mr. Nelson met with Staff to discuss his plans for a home addition. Staff determined that his plans would require a side yard setback variance. Staff provided Mr. Nelson with the appropriate materials for a variance application. Mr. Nelson intends to apply in time for the November 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Brenda Schmidt, 780 Hilltop Court Brenda Schmidt met with Staff to discuss her plans to subdivide her property at 780 Hilltop Court. Ms. Schmidt said that she and her husband are well aware of the November 2nd workshop on the subject on infill development and that new regulations may ultimately result that workshop. Ms. Schmidt said that she and her husband plan to make their application in time for the November 2005 Planning Commission meeting anyway. Staff provided Ms. Schmidt with the appropriate materials for a subdivision application. Nicole and Katie Doyle (for Mike and Kathy Doyle), 2150 and 2156 Dodd Road Nicole and Katie Doyle, daughters of Mike and Kathy Doyle, met with Staff to discuss their plans for a free-standing sign within the required front yard setback for the new "Fischerville" coffee house. Staff provided the Doyles with the appropriate materials for a variance application. The Doyles intend to apply in time for the November 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Jerry Shultz, 689 Evergreen Knolls Mr. Shultz met with Staff to discuss his plans for a fence. Staff determined that the fence would require a Conditional Use Permit and provided him with the appropriate materials for a CUP application. Mr. Shultz intends to apply in time for the November 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Dianne and Ronald Berfelz, 688 West Wentworth Avenue The Berfelz' met with Staff to discuss the outdoor lighting installed across the street by the Somerset 19 condominiums. The Berfelz' showed Staff photographs of the lighting at night that demonstrated how bright the lights are. Staff determined that the glare produced by Somerset 19's lights onto neighboring properties is in violation of the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. McDermott said that she would ask the Code Enforcement Officer to send a notice to Somerset 19 of the violation and set a deadline to correct the violation. Village's progress impresses officials Posted on Thu, Oct. 27, 2005 Village's progress impresses officials $60 million complex going up in stages BY BRIAN BONNER Pioneer Press Pagel of 2 With the first batch of retail stores preparing to open in The Village at Mendota Heights, developer Ross M. Fefercorn likes the progress being made. "I'm driven by success in two ways. One way is economics and the other aesthetics," said Fefercorn, president of Edina - based RMF Entities. "I want to make sure we're building what we promised. I think we're meeting or beating expectations." The $60 million office, retail and housing complex is the most ambitious development undertaken in the St. Paul suburb in years. It has been going up in stages on 23 acres on the well -traveled northeast corner of Minnesota 110 and Dodd Road. Everything should be completed by next year. The city of Mendota Heights has assisted with $7 million in tax -increment financing. In turn, city officials have insisted on getting more than just a run-of-the-mill housing development or strip mall. It appears they are getting their wish. Mayor John Huber said that he and other residents are happy to see the project finally taking shape. "Once you start to see the space filled with good tenants, you start feeling a lot better," Huber said. The design is inspired by a 1914 "market square" plan in Lake Forest, III. A water fountain has been installed at the main corner. Trails, green space and a town square are part of the mix. The retail roster in the first of three commercial buildings to open soon includes The Wine Market by Kowalski's, E's Cheese, Caribou Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, Vera's Salon Spa, Fantastic Sam's and H&R Block. Among them, The Wine Market by Kowalski's will open first, scheduled for Monday, while the other stores will open before year's end or next year. The building has underground parking, 15,000 square feet of ground -floor retail space and another 15,000 square feet of second -floor office space. So far, those office tenants include real estate, insurance, business consulting and financial management firms. Two other single -story commercial buildings will be built, adding another 10,000 square feet of space collectively. Fefercorn is hoping to lure a gourmet grocery to the smaller planned 3,000 -square -foot building, while he's talking to prospective tenants for the larger one. Those possibilities include a restaurant, a fitness and exercise center and a tennis and golf shop, he said. The complex is making progress on the 135 housing units proposed. Currently, 13 town houses are built and most have sold. Sale prices have ranged from the high $300,000s to the high $500,000s. Another seven town houses are going up this year. The second phase will include another 19. A building with 16 condominiums is up and almost sold out, with prices from the high $300,000s to low $500,000s. A second, 20 -unit building will be completed by next year. Together, they will be called the Linden Lofts complex. The Village at Mendota Heights, informally known as town center, also includes Gateway Bank, a pre-existing veterinary clinic and a 60 -unit, Dakota County -owned apartment building for low-income seniors. Huber said the development does not signal an essential change in Mendota Heights' character as a bedroom http://www.twincities.com/mid/twincities/news/local/states/minnesota/countles/dakota/ 13... 10/27/2005 Village's progress impresses officials community. Page 2 of 2 If anything, Huber said, he anticipates that Mendota Plaza across the street might update its look and expand its offerings in response. But a broader stab into retail is not in the offing. "This is not intended to change the character of Minnesota 110 into an avenue of retail," Huber said. Brian Bonner can be reached at . or 651-228-2173. The Village at Mendota Heights The first retail store will open Monday in the $60 million office, housing and retail complex under construction in Mendota Heights. This is a developer's drawing of how the complex will look when completed. ST. Z j PAUL 55�55\Q��j a ST.T . Q I PAUL 35E dENDOTA ' SUN 55AEIGHTS I LAKE ? } �,a o Pond — —494 �>• �` ; EAGANSPninr j Source: www.villagemh.com PIONEER PRESS- http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/states/minnesotalcounties/dakotal l 3... 10/27/2005 Village's first retail store to open Posted on Thu, Oct. 27, 2005 Village's first retail store to open The Wine Market by Kowalski's sets up shop Pagel of 2 Bob Kowalski left his brother Jim's successful local grocery business. His wife, Kristen, quit a safe marketing job with Coca-Cola. They did it for the love of wine. The Inver Grove Heights couple are opening a boutique wine shop that, as their slogan says, will unravel "the mysteries of wine" for customers. The Wine Market by Kowalski's opens Monday as part of the Village at Mendota Heights, a $60 million showcase development in the St. Paul suburb of 11,600 residents. The housing, office and retail town -square complex is going up in stages on 23 acres on the northeast corner of Minnesota 110 and Dodd Road. The Wine Market by Kowalski's (www.thewine market.us) will be the first retail store to open. Their venture will be followed in short order by E's Cheese, Caribou Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, Vera's Salon Spa, Fantastic Sam's and H&R Block. "I don't think you'll see anything like it in the metro area," Bob Kowalski said of the wine shop at 720 Main St., Suite 101. The Kowalskis seem to be sparing no expense to make the wine -buying experience enjoyable, down to details such as the 651 -452 -WINE phone number. The store's elegant, earth -toned decor will include an ornate 7 -foot -2 patinated bronze statue of "Stella," the "goddess of wine," with a water fountain trickling from her vase. "It will set a stage for relaxation," Bob Kowalski said. A wine -tasting room with a 10 -foot carved table under a wrought -iron chandelier will occupy the rear of the store. The goal, Bob Kowalski said, is to create a place to "hang out and stay." Some of the 13,000 bottles in stock will be stored on 8 -foot high mahogany wall racks. The inventory will cover the spectrum, from $5.99 "value" wines to high-end vintages. But the key ingredient behind the store's concept, the Kowalskis said, will be the couple's focus on in-store education and tastings put on by growers, distributors and importers. They've hired a manager who also is a wine expert. Kristen Kowalski is studying for her certification as a sommelier, or wine specialist. She has a master's degree in business and marketing and spent 13 years in the corporate world, most recently for the Coca-Cola Co. in Eagan. Bob Kowalski spent 20 years working with his brother, Jim, who owns several upscale Kowalski's Markets in the metro area. He is now an independent consultant to grocers. The Kowalskis also are interested in opening a gourmet grocery near the wine store. The idea is to put it in a stand-alone 3,000 -square -foot building yet to be constructed at the Village. At the wine store, Bob Kowalski said, the couple emphasizes that there is "no bad choice" in wine. "Whatever wine you like, you like," he said. "You never master it; it's like chess, you're always learning something." They also hope harried Americans will take a more leisurely, European approach to food and wine. "Overseas, they enjoy http://www.twincities.com/Inld/twincities/news/local/13005710.htln?template=contentM... 10/27/2005 Village's first retail store to open Page 2 of 2 food and family with a four-hour meal. Wine is part of the food," Bob Kowalski said. "I'm big on having Americans slow down." Besides wines, they will sell gift items — wine -based sauces, liqueur -filled candies, stylish baskets, and stemware and other accessories. The upscale bedroom community of Mendota Heights is an ideal choice, Bob Kowalski said, because of the surrounding affluence and lack of retail competition. "It's one of the great undeveloped pieces left," he said. Affluent professionals surround the area, he said, and Mendota Heights itself "has a hamlet feel. It feels like a little town in itself. We're excited to be one of the first to bring retail to them." Brian Bonner can be reached at bbonner@alpioneerpress.com or 651-228-2173. THURSDAY. OCTOBER 27, 2005 D 38 NWW.TWINCITIES.COM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B PHOTOS BY CRAIG BORCK, PIONEER PRESS Kristen Kowalski stocks the shelves Tuesday with some of the 13,000 bottles The Wine Market by Kowalski's will offer when it opens Monday. Working in the background is store manager and sommelier David Hail. Lori Beaurivage paints a grape vine on the ceiling of the shop's wine -tasting room. http://www.twincities.coin/mldltwincities/news/local/ 13005710.htm?template=contentM... 10/27/2005 Runway debut quietly awaited Posted on Thu, Oct. 27, 2005 Runway debut quietly awaited Airport's south metro neighbors fear today may end tranquillity fl,a Page 1 of 2 South metro residents are warily watching the skies today, listening to hear if the roar of jet engines overhead will disrupt their previously quiet neighborhoods. The new north -south runway at the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport is opening this morning, almost seven years after the $624 million construction project began. The Metropolitan Airports Commission lauds the new runway — and the increased flight capacity it ushers in — as an important regional economic engine, but for the people whose homes sit under the new flight paths, it just means more noise. Those living in parts of Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, Richfield and Bloomington are braced for a ramped - up racket when the planes begin to take off and land from new southern routes. They all want an answer to the same question: What will it sound like? "A neighbor I work with is calling (today) D -Day," said Burnsville resident Ken Kosciolek, 40. "Everyone is quite concerned here. I'm hoping that it won't be too bad, but I'm worried it will be." The new runway, which parallels Cedar Avenue, will add five flight paths over Eagan alone and handle a total of about 300 daily departures and 132 arrivals, the MAC estimates. In all, 37 percent of the airport's departures and 17 percent of its arrivals will use Runway 17/35, which will boost the airport's flight capacity by 25 percent. The runway is the last step in a $3.1 billion update project launched in 1996 after the state Legislature approved the expansion of the airport, rather than the construction of a new, outlying facility in Dakota County. "Clearly, there will be a change in people's lives," said Vicki Tigwell, chairwoman of the MAC, the public body that owns and operates the airport. "Having a busier hub translates into more planes, more planes translates to more noise. But the economic impact is dramatic." It will take a few weeks for pilots and air traffic controllers to familiarize themselves with the new runway, but there will be little transition time, MAC officials said. Tigwell predicted the south suburban noise levels will be unlike the "pounding" the city of Minneapolis has taken with air traffic. The newly affected residents live farther away from the runway, meaning aircraft overhead will be at higher altitudes. Suburban and MAC officials spent much of the summer holding meetings to prepare residents for the expected noise from the new runway. Although Frances )areski, 79, of Burnsville attended one such meeting, she still worries about sleeping through the noise. She said she is staying put in the home she has lived in for 35 years, no matter how loud it gets. "We'll just have to wait and be surprised. But the only way I'm going out of this house is in a 6 -foot box," she said, laughing. More than 1,000 Eagan residents flooded nine neighborhood open houses the city held this year. In addition to those meetings, the City Council this summer hired Virginia-based firm Wyle Laboratories to set up noise monitors to gauge what sound levels were before the runway opened. Mayor Pat Geagan said the city wanted to be backed by independent data should it decide to sue or lodge any complaint over the increased airport noise. http://www.twincities.coi-n/i-nld/twincitics/business/I 3006048.btm?tei-nplate=contentMod... 10/27/2005 Runway debut quietly awaited Page 2 of 2 Curtis Aljets lives in south-central Eagan, between two of the new flight paths. Aljets, 59, joined the city's Airport Relation Commission this spring and has been working to educate residents and learn more about the noise impact since. Wyle installed one of its noise monitors in Aljets' yard, and he said he is pretty comfortable with the expected impact. "Obviously, the noise is not going to improve our quality of life," he said. "But overall, the airport is good for Eagan's economy. It's good for the metropolitan economy." However, Aljets noted that his wife fears the new runway will reduce the value of their home. Likewise, Kosciolek, of Burnsville, is expecting a mass exodus from his neighborhood when the planes start flying. "I'm actually surprised the sales signs didn't already start popping up," he said. In Apple Valley, officials have asked the MAC to bring in more noise monitors and review flight paths to make sure the noise is fairly dispersed. City officials also want a seat on the MAC's advisory noise committee. "We're closely monitoring what's going on," Mayor Mary Hamann -Roland said. The runway's opening — originally slated for 2003 — comes at a difficult time for the MAC. The agency is embroiled in a lawsuit with the cities of Minneapolis, Eagan and Richfield over the cities' contention that the commission is not providing noise mitigation to as many homes as it originally promised. On Wednesday, Bloomington joined the fray by filing a lawsuit of its own against the MAC. Northwest Airlines' bankruptcy looms as well. Despite the Eagan -based carrier's financial woes, Tigwell said, Twin Cities demographics justify the need to expand. Minneapolis -St. Paul has been the world's busiest airport to operate with two principal runways. And air traffic at the airport, a Northwest hub, typically increases by about 3 percent per year, according to the MAC. By 2030, demographers expect the metropolitan area's population will have exploded by 1 million new residents. "Those people are going to want to get on planes to go places," Tigwell said. "But we do have to watch and wait a little bit, to see how Northwest comes out of this (bankruptcy). We believe, and they have indicated, that this will stay a hub." Meggen Lindsay can be reached at mlindsay?)pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5260. http://www.twincitics.coiTi/inld/twincities/business/1 3006048.htin'?tei-nplate=contentMod... 10/27/2005 Bloomington sues MAC over airport noise program Page I of I Posted on Thu, Oct. 27, 2005 Bloomington sues MAC over airport noise program Bloomington on Wednesday became the fourth city to sue the Metropolitan Airports Commission over allegations that the agency backed out of promises to provide noise protection for more homes under airplane flight paths. In a lawsuit filed in Hennepin County District Court, the city is trying to force the MAC — the public body that owns and operates the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport — to do another environmental impact statement that looks at the effects of reducing the MAC's noise insulation program. The city last month asked the MAC for such a study and believes that state law requires it, community development director Larry Lee said. The cities of Minneapolis, Richfield and Eagan in April sued the MAC, seeking noise -proof packages for residents who live in an area where airport noise levels range from 60 to 64 decibels. Residents have filed a class-action lawsuit against the MAC, as well. Since 1992, the MAC has spent $223 million to soundproof 7,690 homes in areas where the noise level is 65 or greater. — Meggen Lindsay http://www.twincities.comhnldltwinclticslnews/local/ 13006054.htm?template=contentM... 10/27/2005 Runway to open today; quiet to depart Page 1 of 2 startribune.com Runway to open today; quiet to depart David Peterson, Star Tribune October 27, 2005 Don and Beverly Murray know exactly what's going to hit them this morning when jets begin screaming off the end of the new $800 million runway at Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport, heading straight over their home along the gorgeous riverbluffs of southern Bloomington. They are reminded each time they visit their son's place along the creek in south Minneapolis. "You have a cookout and you can hardly talk," Don said. "It's one right after another." "You can't hear yourself think, " said Bev. "Your teeth start rattling." The runway opens shortly before noon today. Although technically just a new runway, the project was actually an alternative to building a whole new facility, as Denver and other cities have done in recent years. The new landing strip, built along the border with Richfield, increased airport capacity by 25 percent. The Murrays and their neighbors aren't very pleased at the prospect, and neither are their elected leaders. In fact, the city of Bloomington filed suit Wednesday, accusing the Metropolitan Airports Commission of breaking the noise -protection deal it forged with surrounding cities to allow the runway to be built. The suit echoes similar legal action brought by other cities that believe the commission broke faith with a deal reached in a long series of meetings and negotiations. "Because of the lawsuits, I've been looking back at the minutes of those meetings," said Tom Egan, now a Dakota County commissioner and former mayor of Eagan. "They bring back all those trips to the airport, all the agonizing efforts of so many of us, all the compromise, all the proposals put on the table for months leading up to an agreement, and it just really bothers me that they now think they can just ignore that." Most flights will come and go from the south, flying over parts of not only Bloomington but also Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan. The east side of Richfield will hear "sideline noise" from jets taxiing and taking off. Takeoffs will be directed as much as possible over the Minnesota River valley, rather than over homes south of the river. The Airports Commission is bracing for the calls. It has a hot line to receive them, at 612-726-9411, as well as an online complaint system, www.macnoise.com. But in a continuation of its dual track approach to the project -- half celebrating the completion of a major public works project, half girding up for the controversy -- the commission will stage a ribbon - cutting ceremony this morning. A replica Spirit of St. Louis will be the first official flight of the day, followed by a passenger -free, symbolic takeoff of a Northwest Airlines Airbus, before commercial traffic starts staining the new concrete with hot rubber streaks. http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/mobile story.php?story=5691868 10/28/2005 Runway to open today; quiet to depart Page 2 of 2 South Minneapolis will get some short-term relief. 99 percent of flights now use the two parallel runways aimed at it. Will anyone there notice? "I don't know," said commission spokesman Pat Hogan. "It may seem quieter just from closing down the house in colder weather, with storm windows on." As for the new noise areas, he said, the airport's staff is ready for phone calls. "We've tried to do everything we could to let people know ahead of time," he said, "but people may be surprised: It could be louder than they thought, or they may not be sure of the flight tracks. Generally, with any significant change in airfield use we do receive calls." Like a lot of people under the flight path, the Murrays feel conflicting emotions as they await this morning's onslaught. They do understand that others have been bearing a disproportionate burden till now. But they dread what this means to the value of their home. "We should have sold it last year," Don Murray said. "I can just see a Realtor coming out now, with all those jets overhead." They are getting help with noise -proofing expenses, but that's no picnic, he added. Contractors working nearby homes won't arrive at theirs for a couple weeks, and, "I'm timing the one they're doing next door -- today's the fifth day they've been there. Eight or nine cars turn up as early as 7 a.m. I told the guy who's going to do my house, 'You ruin my wallpaper and I'll kill ya.' But an extra 14 inches of insulation in the attic isn't going to hurt anything." In the meantime, lawyers are wrangling over whether the Airports Commission reneged on its agreement to soundproof homes under the flight paths. Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead said the commission made "drastic changes" to its plans last year, affecting 150 homes in Bloomington. The commission contends that no promises were broken and that it has spent a fortune removing buildings subject to the worst noise and protecting others. "We only have 3,400 acres here," Hogan said, "so there are communities very close to runways, which is one reason we've done more extensive noise mitigation than any other airport -- over $330 million worth to date." David Peterson • 612-673-4440. Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/mobile story.php?story=5691868 10/28/2005 SPREADING THE N®ISE The new north/south runway at Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport will mean fewer planes over south Minneapolis, and more flights and noise for homes south of the Minnesota River. '1 NOTE: Map shows 1996 esti Q �7J E. 46th St. r Ramsey mated 2007 average noise QDon i County levels, in decibels, based on a a y complicated formula. r d s Minneapoli 00 s than St. Paul �+ t th r1 1VfOe- Ilk para�fro s �1� bra 62�e4a� A. Ci E. 60th St. v 6 ' Y 55 r IvIendota Terminal Mendota E. 66th St. �\`,., " 110 Heights , E. 70th St. r ` ` ® ,fit �e Richfield FHiermpui ey ® 55 t` Hennepin Forts``` , A dota Height d. County 5 C Dian _494 >R ER79th St. Lind u Ln,' Liakota m _�a Cotuity "' 2007 1996 noise F•:��° " E $ th St projection contour 65 dB 65 dB Percentage of departures by runway a° ee4� i Y for 2004 and 2007 projections. 37/' Bloomington 5� �b 22.1% 22.2% 22.6%22.4% 22.4/ 16 1/ E. 102nd St. Murray residence J L3E� 14.8% 04, r 93/ 5 Burnsville ! 2007 'New north/south �- o projection runway will become Z2004 operational in Oct. Source: Metropolitan Airports Commission MARK BOSWELL • mbosweU@startribune.com A new runway opens enhanced -noise season Page 1 of 1 startribune.cam A new runway opens enhanced -noise season Chao Xiong, Star Tribune October 28, 2005 In many areas of Bloomington Thursday, residents stopped, heads cocked, to point to the sky, transfixed by an overhead rumble that replayed every few minutes. At times they leaned in toward one another and asked, "Talk louder, please." Others said they had to stop their conversations altogether as planes flew overhead from the new runway that opened Thursday at the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport. "I think it's pretty loud," said Tim Volk. "I was using my leaf blower and I could hear [the planes] over my leaf blower, and we know how loud those are." The 8,000 -foot runway is located on the west side of the airport and is nearly parallel to Cedar Avenue. "Some [planes] are so loud they shake the house," said Bloomington resident Don Ekdahl. "What are you going to do? You can't stop living." Several residents said some planes were tolerable, while others were too loud for comfort. They also agreed that it was too early to say how they would handle the noise long-term or if it will become a chronic problem. The Metropolitan Airports Commission received 20 noise complaints from 18 callers on its hot line and 17 complaints from 13 people on its website. The inaugural takeoff Thursday morning hit a snag when local politicians, commission members and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees accepted an impromptu offer by Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland to board the flight on a Northwest Airbus. The Transportation Security Administration quickly made them get out because they had not been screened by security personnel. Tony Molinaro, the FAA's regional spokesman, said the runway was operating normally -- about one flight every 10 minutes. The frequency of flights was not lost on residents. "Going from zero takeoffs to 300 or so a day, it's not pleasant," said Bloomington resident Dennis Flatgard. "I moved here because it was quiet." CHAO XIONG - 612-673-4391 Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/mobile story.php?story=5693303 10/28/2005 0 _ wa� rV1 Jl p 0 0 v� R o a a 2 r. •�^.n/ vip� +�NH+, •+t0' a F+i � N �a+ na HOR� OO0 p c2 4 . 4, :z pA p coo ,7a ++ �vi •UHOn 'p l co t, o o ~> O y O O O V1 a w w r/^� O O O y p N N b cn VJ v a O'd p a b' H a`ni CL p o v H ctsa� 0 4� s a' .s o g a a o [-4vvi Fi ti N a aai a o U upi o v, 41 - N � a 8 � � a O p y0 c4 .n .'Si p O O H a o b .� fn N O .y •� a ;3 o y a ti � .--• R a o O U o� O O . n N CFi �' H �+ V H > a 4- 'o p ,� 03 U �., •; > • �, n . • J N .Ll O N .a H H H '3 H .�' yti F" r. r. O io O N c rte'. U co o p 'a 'r. o cd �••, D, cUa v H V) o U a N U +' W a y O 100 a+ a ca F 0 a o ro aai H R w a °� o a m Site... continued from page 1 the lawsuit, and the prop- erty owners eventually agreed to sell the land. The Department of Natural Resources, Great River Greening and other non- profit groups have stepped forward with funding for the project. The city is expected to contribute about $1 million toward the purchase of the site. Dr. Fred Harris, with Great River Greening, said his group is "thrilled to be assisting the city on such an exciting site." He pre- sented an artist's rendering of a proposed circular "overlook" featuring seven to nine sitting stones. The overlook is low - maintenance and provides the best views of the greater Minnesota and Mississippi river valleys, the Minneapo- lis skyline, Fort Snelling and the international air- port. It also provides a space for teaching school children that minimizes impact to the natural set- ting. Past disturbances at the site, including the develop- ment of a gas station and a Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005 Page 5 motel, left few native plants and a thicket of invasive and exotic weeds that is extremely difficult to walk through. Estimated costs for basic native prairie and savanna restoration are $140,000, including site prep and seeding (years one and two), plant establish- ment (years three to five), and maintenance (years six to 10). Volunteer contribu- tions are expected to reduce some costs. "A lot of people have been working a long time on this effort," said state Rep. Rick Hansen. "I remember when I was working on the farmland and natural area protection referendum ... Mendota Heights had the highest vot- ing percentage in favor of the referendum than any other community in Dakota County. I think the folks of Mendota Heights really care about protecting open space." Local resident Wally Kuntz said he was in favor of the City Council's plan, but he had concerns about future management of the site. "I have a pet peeve," he said. "I don't feel people in the [parks and recreation] department are doing their job. Nothing gets done unless someone is on them all the time. I saw a little park just fall by the way- side.... I just hope if we preserve Pilot Knob, it gets some maintenance, so it's well -taken care of." Maggie Hill, a Minneapo- lis resident, said the council has "an opportunity to be real visionaries" by preserv- ing the site for future gen- erations. "It seems to me that a small, limited group of peo- ple win if the site is devel- oped," Hill said. "I think you have a real opportunity to let the public enjoy it. It also works hand-in-hand with tourism over at Fort Snelling." The council members seemed wholeheartedly in favor of the plan. In fact, Council Member Ultan Duggan read aloud a poem about the site. "I feel privileged to be a part of this discussion,," said Council Member Mary Jeanne Schneeman. "I feel this is a terribly important acquisition — not just for Mendota Heights, but in the whole history of the United States. It has a ton of historical significance." N a Ly G G° C ca R O cz G N ocPL ° o 0 o ai D, Coc H, ovw ° G ��d">~a`� `° `° b no ° ., i Q.) - � � bo b Q o ch � o G ca +J0 cu C 'CG r.O H y a1 C3 rn O " G E ty, •�C cd o In 411 U 0 " G ri p' vp ai H on G a) U b C G m � iA O U p �� WC14 C) w o id O OH .G� R. C b U G U 0En -0U O 7 a� G y t7 Fi U H— coG y, p p . cd p i G p a� G� x a H En ca U d c`na E v°i P w fl ca cv� 3 iLn m H y� RJ { s D L 0 O'CIO * • 4= p a G t i..t E p N ', H U N c4 N �` t 5,,. N p H G H V O , y C b O C � co +' '� G bA U - - s. lL� a .� c G U C N O N ' \o I -Eu' = r G G O 'on H i _ H H N N m G uca m (D � N N •► 'ew E M uEE Ln H. oD CL N r U N 1L �, �" O e a� Y Y a G y EY .ar m LnH 42 H 4L,� a: Qb ° G �G p C p° o G> ca G p noW�°ba�v H m o o 10 0 IQ W a cam!] �^^ ° '� . o� H o ti G ,� v� >C' _ °' Q' p, aai N y .- Vz f" M�Erl� a U c4 G ca Z c�a y G °�❑� G C U N G H U C)4 m m ti p • bGD 0mw o Op�� a o o ca ° A N o °O" °H �n ^ y U ca 5° 3 a South-West Review Students... continued from page 1 guage skills and the applica- tion of multiple math skills. Advanced math program Student interest has increased in math, with a handful of middle school stu- dents taking a first -period geometry class at Henry Sib- ley High School for part of the school day. In fact, this year Friendly Hills has more accelerated math placements than at any time in its history. "We're not where we should be, but there's light at the end of the tunnel," Larkin says. "We're not sitting at 100 percent ... but inch by inch we're improving. But more than just looking at test scores, when you look at the number of students that have moved ahead a year in class, in the sixth grade, 66 percent are reading at a seventh -grade level." Recently revised curriculum replaces textbook "chapters" with everyday "themes" that relate necessary math con- cepts to everyday life. For example, a theme called "At the Mall" requires students to take surveys and calculate submitted photos Jennifer Petschen works on a circuit board in her seventh - grade Tech Ed class. percentages about facts and situations found at a shopping mall. A concept called "spiraling" revisits material previously learned with added depth the second time around. "We are doing more reading in math these days," says math teacher Hope Alger, referring to the interdisci- plinary approach that the new math curriculum requires. Another contributing factor is the math success the dis- trict's elementary students have shown since the adop- tion of the Everyday Math curriculum four years ago. On last spring's Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, four of the district's five ele- mentary schools achieved a five-star rating in math — the highest score possible under the state's grading system. The fifth received four stars. ouomitceu Motu Can 1 ring the bell? Students in Diane Heukmaker's kindergarten class at Mendota Elementary School had lots of questions for Capt. Jeff Stenhaug during a visit Oct.11 to the Mendota Heights Fire Department. The visit was part of National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9-15. Fire safety tips Roan Appert, 2, pretended to drive a fire rig while at the 13th Annual Mendota Heights Fire Station open house on Oct. 15. Fire prevention week was Oct. f to Oct. 15 and was the perfect time to brush up on safety awareness. Linda E. Andersen/ Review PIOnCCI- PI -CSS - ( )NWt 11_ics L &ftnWo Al HEINIES FLORAL Qua tci'; \1n /' i {jij Page I of 1 Obituaries Octavio B. Reyes Sr. Reyes, Octavio B. Sr. "Toby" Age 77 Beloved Father and Grandpa Longtime resident of St. Paul's West Side. Passed away peacefully surf his family on October 22, 2005. Preceded in death by parents, FI Ramona. Beloved father of Joseph (Kris) Armendariz Sr., Ramona (BE Octavio Jr. (Laura), Mario (Gloria), Rachel & Rebecca; & 13 grandchildrE Christian Burial 11AM Friday, OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, 401 Concord `. 52 in St. Paul. Visitation 4-8PM Thursday, WEST FUNERAL HOME, 1051 St. @ Arion, W. St. Paul & 1 hr. prior to the Mass at church on Friday. Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred. The fa like to thank the ICU medical staff of Regions Hospital for their compassion. A special thank you to the staff at Lake Ridge Care Center if Published in the Pioneer Press from 10/25/2005 - 10/27/2005. Guest Book Gift Shop Printer -friendly version _-, E-mail to a friend Today's Pioneer Press notices Questions about obituaries or Guest Books? Contact Legacy.com Powered by Legacy.com News I Business I Sports I Entertainment I Living I Classifieds Hi ;'p i C„'.tact Us i Site Didex I Arc h ves I Emai. I Pd,_;vs;a ;l.%{'; Sub, ri;_, AI,_itl T :nCwt;P`..(orn I A[%();A: http://www.Iegacy.coin/TW INCITI ES/LegacySubPage2.asp`?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=... 10/26/2005 Galveston County Mainland Crime Stoppers Officer of Year for the Santa Fe, Texas Police Department. Eric M. Bruss is the son of Janet Bolger, Mendota Heights City Hall Receptionist Eric was awarded the Officer of the Year Award for his work in removing criminals from the streets of Santa Fe, Texas. Eric led the department through out the year in felony and misdemeanor arrests. He focused on narcotics enforcement and DUI arrests. Eric began his career in law enforcement as a Correctional Peace Officer in Arizona and 3years as a Federal Police Officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis. Eric has been a K-9 Officer, SWAT Officer and has worked with Prison Gang Intelligence unit and is currently a certified Hostage Negotiator. Chief of Police Officer Captain Barry Cook Eric Bruss Kenneth Campbell